Reconfigurable shelter

ABSTRACT

A reconfigurable shelter includes a set of biasable members that are secured or securable at a first end thereof at spaced positions to inhibit movement of the first ends from the spaced positions. A flexible cover is connected or connectable to the set of flexible members to at least partially enclose a space between the set of biasable members. A closure structure is connected to the set of biasable members or the flexible cover to alternately condition the set of biasable members between an open configuration, in which the second ends of the set of biasable members are positioned to provide an opening in the flexible cover towards the second ends of the set of biasable members, and a closed configuration, in which the second ends of the set of biasable members are positioned to diminish or close the opening.

FIELD

The specification relates generally to a barrier, and, in particular, to a reconfigurable shelter.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Present shelters for use in outdoor environments are generally constructed with a frame that has a single configuration. In one example, a conventional tent includes two support rods that are secured in the ground and elevate a central portion of a fabric enclosure and four corners of the fabric enclosure are pinned to the ground. An opening is provided in one side for entry and exit of the cloth enclosure when deployed. Once deployed, the frame of the tent is unchanged. Such tents have a closed top to shield their users from the elements, such as rain, sleet, and snow. Further, these tents often substantially seal to prevent the ingress of insects and other animals.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, there is provided a reconfigurable shelter, comprising: a set of biasable members that are secured or securable at a first end thereof at spaced positions to inhibit movement of the first ends from the spaced positions; a flexible cover bound to the set of flexible members to at least partially enclose a space between the set of biasable members; a closure structure connected to at least one of the flexible cover and the set of biasable members to alternately condition the set of biasable members between an open configuration, in which the second ends of the set of biasable members are positioned to provide an upper opening in the flexible cover towards the second ends of the set of biasable members, and a closed configuration, in which the second ends of the set of biasable members are positioned to diminish or close the upper opening.

The biasable members can be biased towards the open configuration, and wherein the closure structure biases the biasable members towards the closed configuration. Each of the set of biasable members can be a flexible member. Each of the set of biasable members can include at least one joint at which the biasable member articulates.

The closure structure can include a cord bound to at least one of the set of biasable members towards the second ends thereof and the flexible cover towards the second ends of the set of biasable members, wherein pulling of the cord biases the set of biasable members towards the closed configuration and releasing of the cord permits the set of biasable members to return to the open configuration. Each of the set of biasable members can include a channel towards the second end thereof in which the cord is received.

The first ends of the biasable members can be secured to a base frame.

The base frame can include a set of base frame members extending between and connected at the spaced positions, the base frame being conditionable between an assembled state in which the base frame members are secured to one another to prevent relative movement, and a collapsed state in which movement between at least some of the base frame members is less restricted than in the assembled state.

The flexible cover can have a discontinuity extending from a bottom peripheral edge towards the first ends of the biasable members to a top peripheral edge towards the second ends of the set of biasable members, the discontinuity being reclosably openable to facilitate collapsing of the reconfigurable shelter and/or configure the reconfigurable shelter in an exposed configuration, in which a side opening at least partially extends from the top peripheral edge to the bottom peripheral edge. The flexible cover can include a fastener system to reclosably open the discontinuity. The fastener system can at least partially open the discontinuity.

The reconfigurable shelter can further include a top cover dimensioned to extend over a top perimeter of the flexible cover towards the second ends of the set of biasable members to inhibit precipitation from entering the opening.

Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the following figures and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the embodiment(s) described herein and to show more clearly how the embodiment(s) may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are a front elevation view and a rear elevation view, respectively, of a reconfigurable shelter in accordance with one embodiment thereof in an open configuration;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the reconfigurable shelter of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 3 shows the reconfigurable shelter of FIGS. 1A to 2 in a collapsed state, including a collapsible base frame and a cover assembly;

FIG. 4 shows the base frame of FIG. 3 after partial expansion;

FIG. 5A shows a counter-rotating joint of the base frame in region 5A of FIG. 4 in greater detail;

FIG. 5B shows a rotating joint of the base frame in region 5B of FIG. 4 in greater detail;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the base frame of the reconfigurable shelter of FIGS. 1A to 2 after expansion and coupling of the free ends thereof;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the cover assembly after being coupled to the base frame of FIG. 6 and being opened along a discontinuity with ends of the flexible cover being retracted laterally;

FIG. 8 shows a flexible vertical rod forming part of the cover assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the reconfigurable shelter of FIGS. 1A to 2 in a closed configuration; and

FIG. 10 is a top view of the reconfigurable shelter of FIG. 9 in the closed configuration.

Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiment or embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

Various terms used throughout the present description may be read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: “or” as used throughout is inclusive, as though written “and/or”; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpart pronouns so that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; “exemplary” should be understood as “illustrative” or “exemplifying” and not necessarily as “preferred” over other embodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood from a reading of the present description. It will also be noted that the use of the term “a” or “an” will be understood to denote “at least one” in all instances unless explicitly stated otherwise or unless it would be understood to be obvious that it must mean “one”.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

A reconfigurable shelter 20 in accordance with an embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The reconfigurable shelter 20 includes a base frame 24 that can be rested on a surface, such as a ground surface GS. A cover assembly 28 extends upwardly from the base frame 24 and includes a flexible cover 32 that is connected to a set of biasable members in the form of flexible posts 36 that extend upwardly from the base frame 24. The flexible cover 32 has a discontinuity on a rear section 38 in the form of a separation 40 extending along its height from a top peripheral edge 41 thereof to a bottom peripheral edge 42 opposite the top peripheral edge 41 to enable to ends 44 a, 44 b of the flexible cover 32 to be separated from one another along the separation 40. The bottom peripheral edge 42 of the flexible cover 32 is positioned adjacent the base frame 24 when the reconfigurable shelter 20 is assembled. A fastener system releasably connects the ends 44 a, 44 b to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener system is a zipper 48, but can be any other suitable fastening system for releasably connecting the ends 44 a, 44 b, such as snaps, ties, hook-and-loop fabric elements, etc. A top flap 52 is connected to the flexible cover 32 towards the top peripheral edge 41 thereof. A door 60 is releasably coupled to a remainder 61 of the flexible cover 32 via a zipper 62 or some other suitable fastening system in a front section 64 of the flexible cover 32 enables the entry and exit of the reconfigurable shelter 20 when assembled. The door 60 can be fully detached or partially detached to enable folding back of the door 60.

In FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the reconfigurable shelter 20 is shown in an open configuration, in which the flexible posts 36 are not brought together towards top ends thereof at or near the top peripheral edge 41 of the flexible cover 32. As can be seen, the flexible posts 36 bow outwardly away from each other, and open the top peripheral edge 41 of the flexible cover to expose an opening 68.

A cord conduit 72 towards the top peripheral edge 41 of the flexible cover 32 houses a cord 76 that extends between each end 44 a, 44 b of the flexible cover, and having cord ends 80 a, 80 b that hang down from either end 44 a, 44 b at the separation 40.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the components of the reconfigurable shelter 20 are shown in a collapsed state for facilitating transportation and storage. The base frame 24 includes a set of base frame cross-members 84 that are pivotally coupled together via a set of joint couplers 88 a, 88 b. Each joint coupler 88 a to 88 c is pivotally coupled or couplable to the base frame cross-members 84, enabling the placement of the base frame cross-members 84 generally longitudinally adjacent to one another. The joint connector 88 c is similar to the joint connectors 88 b, except that it enables releasable pivotal connection with a free end 92 of a base frame cross-member 84.

The cover assembly 28 is also shown collapsed with the flexible posts 36 having been removed from the base frame 24. In the assembled state, the flexible posts 36 are friction fitted within receiving sleeves 96 extending upward from a top surface of each joint connector 88 a to 88 c. During collapsing, the zipper 48 is undone to separate the ends 44 a, 44 b from each other to facilitate withdrawal of the flexible posts 36 from the base frame 24 and packing. The flexible posts 36 are then bunched together with the connected flexible cover 32.

FIG. 4 shows the base frame 24 partially expanded. As the base frame cross-members 84 are separated from one another, they pivot at the joint connectors 88 a to 88 c.

FIG. 5A shows the ends of the two base frame cross-members 84 having protrusions 100 a with abutment surfaces 104 a. As the two base frame cross-members 84 are rotated in directions D_(A), the abutment surfaces 104 a are moved towards one another until they abut, thus limiting further rotation of the base frame cross-members 84 towards one another. When the abutment surfaces 104 a are abutting one another, the angle θ_(A) between the two base frame cross-members 84 is 120 degrees.

FIG. 5B shows the ends of the two base frame cross-members 84 having protrusions 100 b with abutment surfaces 104 b. As the two base frame cross-members 84 are rotated in directions D_(B), the abutment surfaces 104 b are moved towards one another until they abut, thus limiting further rotation of the base frame cross-members 84 away from one another. When the abutment surfaces 104 b are abutting one another, the angle θ_(B) between the two base frame cross-members 84 is 120 degrees.

FIG. 6 shows the base frame 24 after pivoting of the base frame cross-members 84 and coupling of the free end 92 with the joint connector 88 c. As the rotation of the base frame cross-members is restricted to angles of 120 degrees, the base frame cross-members 84 forms a hexagonal shape.

FIG. 7 shows a flexible post 36 forming part of the cover assembly 28. The flexible post 36 is made of any suitable material, such as a polymer, fiberglass, wood, etc. A loop 108 is positioned towards a top end of the flexible post 36 and is formed of a material that provides a sufficiently low coefficient of friction with the cord 76 so that the cord 76 can be readily slid through the loop 108. The flexible post 36 is initially bowed so that the loop 108 is oriented on an outside of a curve of the flexible post 36, but it is sufficiently flexible to enable bowing in an opposite direction so that the loop 108 is positioned on an inside of the curve of the flexible post 36.

Each flexible post 36 is positioned within a sleeve along an inside surface of the flexible cover 32, with the loop 108 positioned along the cord conduit 72 and the cord passing through the loop 108.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show the cover assembly 28 after installment on the base frame. In the exposed configuration, the cover assembly 28 of the reconfigurable shelter 20 is opened along a side from top to bottom. The ends 44 a, 44 b of the flexible cover 32 can be separated by opening of the zipper 48 to facilitate placement of the flexible posts 36 within the receiving sleeves 96 of the joint connectors 88 a, 88 b. Additionally, the ends 44 a, 44 b of the flexible cover 32 can be opened to fold back the flexible cover 32 so that the ends 44 a, 44 b are drawn towards the flexible posts two positions removed about the circumference of the base frame 24 to completely open two of six sides of the reconfigurable shelter 20. The flexible post 36 positioned adjacent to the discontinuity can be releasably coupled to the flexible cover 32 via a set of hook-and-loop fabric loops 112 or via any other suitable means. In this manner, the flexible post 36 can be removed entirely when it is desired to fold back panels of the flexible cover 32. The loop 108 of the released flexible post 36 can be slid over the end 80 b of the cord 76 to allow the flexible post 36 to be freed from the cord 76. When it is desired to close the ends 44 a, 44 b of the flexible cover 32, the flexible post 36 can be secured to the flexible cover 32 via the hook-and-loop fabric loops 112 and the end 80 b of the cord 76 can be threaded through the loop 108 of the flexible post 36.

FIG. 8 shows the cover assembly 28 being installed on the base frame 24. During assembly, the ends 44 a, 44 b of the flexible cover 32 can be separated by opening of the zipper 48 to facilitate placement of the flexible posts 36 within the receiving sleeves 96 of the joint connectors 88 a, 88 b. Once the cover assembly 28 is secured to the base frame 24, ends 44 a, 44 b of the flexible cover 32 can be releasably secured to one another via the zipper 48 so that the reconfigurable shelter 20 is in the open configuration shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Alternatively or at a later time, the zipper 48 can be left open or opened, respectively, as shown in FIG. 8 so that the ends 44 a, 44 b of the flexible cover 32 can be at least partially opened to fold back the flexible cover 32 in an exposed configuration. In the exposed configuration, the separation between the ends 44 a, 44 b creates a side opening 89 that extends at least partially from the top peripheral edge 41 to the bottom peripheral edge 42. Further, when the zipper 48 is fully opened, the ends 44 a, 44 b can be drawn towards the flexible posts two positions removed about the circumference of the base frame 24 to completely open two of six sides of the reconfigurable shelter 20. The flexible post 36 positioned adjacent to the discontinuity can be releasably coupled to the flexible cover 32 via a set of hook-and-loop fabric loops 112 or via any other suitable means. In this manner, the flexible post 36 can be removed entirely when it is desired to fold back panels of the flexible cover 32. The loop 108 of the released flexible post 36 can be slid over the end 80 b of the cord 76 to allow the flexible post 36 to be freed from the cord 76. When it is desired to close the ends 44 a, 44 b of the flexible cover 32 to condition the reconfigurable shelter 20 back to an open configuration, the flexible post 36 can be secured to the flexible cover 32 via the hook-and-loop fabric loops 112 and the end 80 b of the cord 76 can be threaded through the loop 108 of the flexible post 36. Further, the zipper 48 can be at least partially opened to create a side opening that extends at least partially from the top peripheral edge 41 to the bottom peripheral edge 42.

Now referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, when the flexible posts 36 are secured within the receiving sleeves 96 and the ends 44 a, 44 b of the flexible cover 32 are secured together via the zipper 48, the upper portions of the flexible posts 36 and the top peripheral edge 41 of the flexible cover 32 can be drawn together by drawing the ends 80 a, 80 b of the cord 76 downwards. Continued drawing of the cord 76 encourages the flexible posts 36 to bow inwards together with the flexible cover 32.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show the reconfigurable shelter 20 in a closed configuration after the cord 76 has been drawn to bring the upper ends of the flexible posts 36 and the top peripheral edge 41 of the flexible cover 32 together, leaving a small or no aperture at the top thereof. The top flap 52 is then flipped over the aperture to prevent rain from entering the reconfigurable shelter 20 through the opening 68. The ends 80 a, 80 b of the cord 76 can be secured via any suitable means, such as by tying them to a loop on an inside surface of the flexible cover 32, clamping them together to prevent the retraction force of the flexible posts 36 from drawing the cord 76 back into the cord conduit 72, tying the ends 80 a, 80 b of the cord 76 in a knot, etc.

When it is desired to reconfigure the reconfigurable shelter 20 back in the open configuration, the cord 76 is freed to enable the retractive force of the flexible posts 36 to pull open the top peripheral edge 41 of the flexible cover 32 and return to the open configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

While in the above-described embodiment, the biasable members are flexible posts, other types of suitable biasable members can be employed instead. For example, the biasable members can be made of rigid or semi-rigid elements that are pivotally connected and biased via any suitable means to one or more positions.

Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the above examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A reconfigurable shelter, comprising: a set of biasable members that are secured or securable at a first end thereof at spaced positions to inhibit movement of the first ends from the spaced positions; a flexible cover connected or connectable to the set of flexible members to at least partially enclose a space between the set of biasable members; a closure structure connected to at least one of the flexible cover and the set of biasable members to alternately condition the set of biasable members between an open configuration, in which the second ends of the set of biasable members are positioned to provide an upper opening in the flexible cover towards the second ends of the set of biasable members, and a closed configuration, in which the second ends of the set of biasable members are positioned to diminish or close the upper opening.
 2. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 1, wherein the biasable members are biased towards the open configuration, and wherein the closure structure biases the biasable members towards the closed configuration.
 3. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 2, wherein each of the set of biasable members is a flexible member.
 4. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 2, wherein each of the set of biasable members includes at least one joint at which the biasable member articulates.
 5. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 2, wherein the closure structure includes a cord bound to at least one of the set of biasable members towards the second ends thereof and the flexible cover towards the second ends of the set of biasable members, wherein pulling of the cord biases the set of biasable members towards the closed configuration and releasing of the cord permits the set of biasable members to return to the open configuration.
 6. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 5, wherein each of the set of biasable members includes a channel towards the second end thereof in which the cord is received.
 7. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 1, wherein the first ends are secured to a base frame.
 8. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 2, wherein the base frame includes a set of base frame members extending between and connected at the spaced positions, the base frame being conditionable between an assembled state in which the base frame members are secured to one another to prevent relative movement, and a collapsed state in which movement between at least some of the base frame members is less restricted than in the assembled state.
 9. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 2, wherein the flexible cover has a discontinuity extending from a bottom peripheral edge towards the first ends of the biasable members to a top peripheral edge towards the second ends of the set of biasable members, the discontinuity being reclosably openable to facilitate collapsing of the reconfigurable shelter and/or configure the reconfigurable shelter in an exposed configuration, in which a side opening at least partially extends from the top peripheral edge to the bottom peripheral edge.
 10. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 9, wherein the flexible cover includes a fastener system to reclosably open the discontinuity.
 11. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 10, wherein the fastener system can at least partially open the discontinuity.
 12. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 1, further comprising a top cover dimensioned to extend over a top perimeter of the flexible cover towards the second ends of the set of biasable members to inhibit precipitation from entering the upper opening. 